Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "RickReid" <rickreidvo@...> wrote:

> I think were I probably screwed up -- besides not understanding how to easily install the ROM cards, was that I probably left the AC power plugged in and turned on at some point, by mistake, because I was testing each ROM in different sockets to troubleshoot why they weren't all working when installed at the same time.

Leaving the power on while plugging or unpluggning ROM cards could very well have fried the main board, especially if you didn't get the connectors lined up properly from the start. When inserting or removing components or modules inside a piece of electronics equipment the power should always be off.

That said, the power supply units in these machines are notorious for failing after a while. A couple of months ago someone had success getting his XL-7 power supply unit fixed by someone who specializes in power supply unit repairs. Especially after adding ROMs, the additional power required could be just enough to cause a marginal power supply unit to fail. Replacement is usually out of the question because the spares have been sold out long ago, and although not really rocket science these days, there are no equivalent power supply units that can just be plugged in.

I've never bought anything from EPR electronics, but I had a long discussion with them regarding a problem I had with my XL-7 and they were very helpful all the way. They were willing to sell me a new mainboard for my unit, but in the end I declined, since I could get another second hand unit locally for what it would have cost in shipping and import duty. It's a different story if you live in the US though, there a replacement main board would probably be worth while.

Problem of course is knowing if the power supply or mainboard has died. EPR can most likely help you there too, but you'd have to send your unit to them.